Nestled in the heart of Singapore, Methodist Girls’ School (MGS) has been shaping young minds since 1887. With a strong tradition of service reflected in its motto: "To Master, To Grow, To Serve" MGS continues to instill values of empathy, leadership, and community engagement in its students. One of the school’s most impactful initiatives is its Intergenerational Learning Programme (IGL), which brings together students and seniors for meaningful exchanges of knowledge, skills, and experiences.
Designed to foster social empathy and civic consciousness, the programme follows a value-exchange model where both youths and seniors contribute, learn, and inspire one another. Whether acquiring new skills or simply sharing time together, these intergenerational experiences build a unique sense of community, where every individual has something valuable to offer.
MGS offers a variety of intergenerational activities, from nature walks to art classes. One of the most heartwarming is Aqua Aerobics. What began as a small trial session in late 2023 quickly expanded, and by February 2024, it was held at four Active Aging Centres (AACs). Students participate in the workouts and assist in guiding seniors through the exercises. The programme goes beyond fitness-it is about resilience and courage. One senior, who had avoided pools after nearly drowning four years ago, found the confidence to return to the water through MGS’s supportive Aqua Aerobics sessions.
Music also serves as a powerful bridge between generations. The Resonance Project, launched in 2021, brings together young volunteers and seniors to make music, share stories, and form lasting friendships. Every Saturday morning, participants gather to strum the ukulele, occasionally exploring other instruments like the keyboard, guitar, and cajon. With 250 youth volunteers across 15 centers-MGS being one of them-the project provides musical education and a shared space for companionship and joy.
Beyond music and movement, MGS is nurturing a deeper understanding of food security through its IGL Sustainable Farm initiative. Many students have little exposure to the systems that sustain Singapore’s food supply, and this project brings them face-to-face with the opportunities and challenges of food sustainability, particularly in times of crisis. Inspired by real-world events like the pandemic and global conflicts, students learn why food security matters. Working alongside seniors, they engage in hydroponic and soil-based farming, gaining hands-on experience that enables them to learn not just how to grow food, but also about the complexities of maintaining a resilient food supply.
At MGS, intergenerational learning goes beyond structured programmes. Through shared experiences and mutual encouragement, students and seniors alike discover the power of connection, proving that learning is a lifelong pursuit with no age limit.
What is the value of generations coming together in programs like this?
“We hope to do our part in shifting the narrative and reframing how our society sees youths and seniors interacting together in our shared community space. Beyond caregiving, it is about meaning-making together as the different generations can help one another in gaining perspectives, experiences and competencies that enable one to live purposefully. We encourage youths in Singapore to take the lead in shaping a new social compact with our seniors for a collective positive future for all in Singapore.”
Principal of MGS, Mrs. Valarie Wilson
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